Looking for a set of bookshelf speakers you might be drawn to the likes of Bowers & Wilkins but for those who do not have that level of budget you should consider Edifer as with the Edifier R1280DB, they prove you do not have to spend big for a quality sound. 

 

First Impressions

 

The Edifier R1280DB bookshelf speakers have improved on previous models as they now come with a wider frequency offering a clearer and more detailed sound that puts these head and shoulders above its competition.

Costing at £129 it comes with features such as the soundfield socializer as well as a sub output and several input options it makes you question why you would spend over the £130 when you have speakers like these.

 

Design

 

Just like the Edifier S2000MK III, they continue their stylish but modern design that will fit in regardless of the room you put them in. The Edifier R1280DB comes in two finish options you can either have the all-black option or you can have the maple finish. Regardless of the option you have both come with removable grills with a subtle bit of branding on the front panels.

As with most bookshelf speakers, it’s the right speaker that has most of the action. The right panel of this speaker comes with three knobs two are EQ controls for the bass and treble with the 3rd knob being a volume control. 

 

If you turn the speaker around so you can see the back you will a variety of inputs such as two RCA inputs, one optical audio port and a coaxial digital port. You will also notice a sub output which means you can hook these up to a subwoofer to give you some extra power.  The rear of the speaker also includes the power switch. 

 

Open this speaker up and you are provided with a 4-inch bass driver, flared bass reflex port and silk dome tweeter. Last but not least this set of bookshelf speakers also comes with a remote control with controls like the volume, play/pause, track control and a mute button. There is also a Bluetooth button and an Opt/Coax button that lets you toggle between optical to coaxial. 

Features

 

As you might expect with a pair of bookshelf speakers it’s very much a plug-and-play setup all you need to do is connect the two speakers using the included speaker cable. You also need to connect the active speaker to your laptop or TV via the preferred port. You will need to select the appropriate input via the remote control. 

 

You can also use these speakers via Bluetooth if you want to minimise the amount of cable used ideal if you want to link to a mobile device. Simply select Bluetooth via the remote and connect via Bluetooth on your mobile like you would normally. 

 

There is also an optical audio port and coaxial input joining the dual RCA inputs this allows you to physically connect these speakers to 4 different devices this is the perfect addition to your entertainment centre where there might be a gaming console or vinyl player and makes your entertainment experience more seamless.  What you also have is the remote control which allows you to switch between your RCA inputs and optical and coaxial inputs meaning no need to reach behind the system and disconnect or reconnect when you want to switch devices. 

 

 

Audio Quality 

 

I have been testing out these speakers for the last few weeks and I have to say they produce excellent sound quality that offers plenty of headroom meaning they are powerful enough that the audio won’t distort at higher volumes.  I was also impressed with the amount of lower mids and a good amount of high-end, resulting in a rich sound that is full-bodied and detailed.

 

Take a listen to some Taylor Swift and you get a richness in her voice and better representation of the instrumentals. Listen to something with a bit more punch and you get more bass and a better-defined low-end while keeping things on the high-end present.

 

What I would say is to avoid using the Soundfield Spacializer when listening to music. This results in a distorted mids because it’s being overwhelmed by that reverb and affects the rest of the frequencies.  Where the soundfield spacializer comes into its own is when watching a film it gives you more of a cinematic experience and produces a panoramic sound stage compared to when it’s switched off as that is a flatter experience. 

 

For example, we have just given in to Disney + and when watching the opening sequence of a Marvel film it sounds more punchier and offers that cinematic experience. When watching the film you will notice just how clear and well-balanced they offer. 

 

The one thing I would say is when I tested these speakers via a Bluetooth device you will notice they sound a bit hollow and compressed lacking detail. So I would advise you just stick with one of the 4 input options they will offer a much better quality of sound.

 

Verdict

 

The Edifier R1280DB are an excellent option for those who want a pair of bookshelf speakers and use them for several devices as they come with 4 inputs as well as Bluetooth connectivity. There is also a sub-output so you can connect several devices all at once to give you that cinematic experience especially when using them when watching a film. I also found they are great when it comes to volume they are ideal for small to medium-sized rooms without much effort. 

Overall, the Edifier R1280DB proves that you dont have to pay a lot for an impressive sound they only cost £129. If you are looking for an affordable pair of bookshelf speakers in a compact package that delivers a rich, clear and punchy sound with good sound imaging these are well worth considering. 

Product Rating    

 Design: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars

Features: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars

Audio Quality: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0

Value for Money: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0

 

Overall ranking: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars – 4.5 stars

The Edifier R1280DB Bookshelf Speakers cost £129 via Amazon

 

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